Tape-mounted label dispensing and applying apparatus



' A ril 1, 1969 H. w. MARANO TAPE-MOUNTED LABEL DISPENSING AND APPLYINGAPPARATUS Sheet Filed May I,

INVENTOR. Azeaeer 14 MAW/4N0 ATTORNEY April 1, 1969 H. w. MARANOTAPEMOUNTED LABEL DISPENSING AND APPLYING APPARATUS Sheet INVENTOR#52552 7 M Mwmva M A? ATTORNEY Filed May 7, 1964 April 1, 1969 H. wMARANO TAPE-MOUNTED LABEL DISPENSING AND APPLYING APPARATUS Sheet FiledMay 7, 1964 INVENTOR.

J w, \t 3? 0 Q A-waszr M/l/mw/vo BY A: TTORN April 1, 1969 H. w. MARANO3,436,294

TAPE-MOUNTED LABEL DISPENSING AND APPLYING APPARATUS Filed May '2, 1964Sheet 4 of 4 SW W020 4444 I Hulk r n]! m TL l /Z6 1 I g j ATTORNEYUnited States Patent 3,436,294 TAPE-MOUNTED LABEL DISPENSING ANDAPPLYING APPARATUS Herbert W. Marano, Summit, N.J., assignor toFlinchbaugh Products, Inc., Red Lion, Pa., a corporation of PennsylvaniaFiled May 7, 1964, Ser. No. 365,658 Int. Cl. B6511 25/14; Gg /00; B321131/20 U.S. Cl. 156-351 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DLSCLOSURE An apparatusfor applying pressure sensitive labels from a label carrying tape tomoving objects includes an applicator arm terminating in a separatoredge and a takeup roll drawing the tape around the separator edge, thetake-up roll being connected through an electrically actuated clutch andbrake to a drive motor. The clutch actuated coil is connected through arelay switch to a source of current, and the relay solenoid is connectedthrough a silicon-controlled rectifier and an object sensing switch to asource of current. A label sensing element applies a control signal tothe silicon-controlled rectifier through a transistor whose collector isconnected directly to the silicon-controlled rectifier gate electrode.The object sensing switch is mechanically actuated and the label sensingswitch may be mechanically or electrically actuated.

The present invention relates generally to improvements in labellingappaartus, and it relates in particular to an improved device forsensing and controlling the position of a label carried and forwarded byan advancing support band or tape.

Pressure-sensitive labels are commonly carried in spaced end-to-endfashion on a backing tape or band, the adhesive face of the labelreleasably engaging a face of the backing tape. It is common practice toadvance the label carrying tape around a sharp edge so as to effect theseparation of the label from the tape for the dipensing of a label orthe application thereof to an article or package. In order to facilitatethe dispensing or removal of a leading label, it is generally necessarythat the leading label project forwardly of the separating edge and thatits trailing end be engaged by the tape to support the label in aforwardly projecting cantilevered manner, This has posed the problems ofaccurately sensing the position of the leading label relative to theseparating edge and continuously closely controlling the advance andstopping of the labelcarrying tape in order precisely to support theleading label at an optimum position. The mechanisms and devicesheretofore available and proposed possess many drawbacks anddisadvantages. The sensing mechanisms are impractical and unreliable andsubject to frequent malfunctioning, and the associated control systemsare unstable, frequently unresponsive and often provide spuriousresponses with undesirable advances of the label-carrying tape, andotherwise they leave much to be desired.

It is thus a principal object of the present invention to provide animproved labelling apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedapparatus for dispensing and applying pressure sensitive labels from .aband carrying such labels in an end-to-end arrangement.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedapparatus for controlling the advance of a label-carrying tape to adispensing area and to position successive labels accurately at apredetermined point relative to the dispensing area.

3,435,294 Patented Apr. 1, 1969 A further object of the presentinvention is to provide an improved circuit network response to a widerange of input signals for controlling the operation of a feedmechanism.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide anapparatus of the above nature characterized by its ruggedness, accuracy,reliability and adaptability.

The above and other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent from a reading of the following description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein FIGURE 1 is a front,partially diagrammatic, elevational view of :a label printing andapplying apparatus embodying the present invention and illustrated in alabel applying position;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the printing section illustratedin a print position;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of the improved control network associatedtherewith;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of another form of label sensingand applying device constructed according to and embodying the presentinvention;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of another form of label sensingand applying device embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIGURE 7.

In a sense, the present invention contemplates the provision of a labelapplying apparatus comprising a label applicator member, means foradvancing a label receiving article into registry with said applicatormember, means for advancing a label to a predetermined position relativeto said applicator member, means including a siliconcontrolled rectifierresponsive to the position of said label, and a switch connected inseries with said silicon controlled rectifier and a source of currentfor controlling said label advancing means, .and means responsive to theposition of said article for actuating said switch. Thesilicon-controlled rectifier advantageously forms part of a novel,highly stable, control network including a preamplifier transistorhaving a first of its output electrodes connected directly to thecontrol electrode of the silicon-controlled rectifier and its secondoutput electrode connected through a negative feedback resistor to acurrent source terminal, and the base of the transistor is connectedthrough a second resistor to said second output electrode. The input tothe control electrode is advantageously derived by way of a Variableresistance sensing device connected between the transistor base and athird resistor to the opposite terminal of the current source.

According to a preferred form of the present apparatus, there isprovided a swingable applicator arm terminating in a transverseseparator edge, and means including an electrically actuated clutch foradvancing a label carrying tape forwardly along the applicator armaround the separator edge and thence rearwardly to a take-up roll. Aswingable sensing finger is carried by the applicator arm and engagesthe upper face of the tape in the path of the labels and actuates aswitch to its open or closed positions when in registry with a label orthe space between successive labels, the switch actuating effecting afiring signal to the silicon-controlled rectifier. The clutch isconnected to a source of energizing current through a relay switch, theactuating solenoid of which is connected in series with the output ofthe silicon-controlled rectifier. The switch connected in series withthe silicon-controlled rectifier output is a relay switch having anactuating solenoid and there is provided a capacitor and a switchalternatively connecting the capacitor across a source of chargingcurrent or across the solenoid, and is actuated by the movement of anadvancing article. A printing device is disposed along the path of thelabels trailing the separator edge and is actuated concurrently with thebraking of the drive clutch. An alternative form of sensing arrangementmay be employed to advantage where the label carrying tape is providedwith spaced openings along the length thereof indexing correspondinglabels. A wiper electrode is carried by the applicator arm and directedthereto along the path of the index openings and into registry with asecond electrode underlying the advancing tape rearwardly of theseparator edge. This engagement is effected between the two electrodesupon registry therewith of a tape index opening. The electrodes areconnected to effect a signal to the silicon-controlled rectifier uponmutual engagement thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGURES 1 to 3thereof which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, reference numeral generally designates the improved apparatuswhich includes a label applying section 11, a label printing section 12and a control network 13. Articles A, to which the pressure sensitivelabels L are to be individually applied, are advanced through thelabelling station in registry with the label applying means by anysuitable conveyor, such as a plurality of longitudinally spacedtransverse flights 14 supported and advanced by a pair of suitablymotivated opposite parallel chains (not shown) and pushinglongitudinally spaced successive articles or packages A along ahorizontal support surface 16. Means are provided for sensing a packageA at the labelling station and for sensing the position of a leadinglabel for controlling, through network 13, the actuation of the labelfeed section 11 and the printing section 12 in the manner which will behereinafter set forth. The pressure sensitive labels are carried inlongitudinally spaced endto-end arrangement by an elongated support tapeT to which the labels L releasably adhere by means of the pressuresensitive cement coating the underfaces of the labels L. The labelcarrying tape T is packaged in a roll R with the labels L facingradially inwardly.

Label applying section 11 comprises a downwardly forwardly inclinedswingable guide arm 17 having a flat top face and terminating at itsbottom leading end in a transversely extending beveled sharp separatoredge 18. The trailing end of guide arm 17 is aflixed at its underface toa horizontal rockable shaft 19 which is spring urged clockwise to apredetermined position wherein the leading nd of guide arm 17 is shortlyabove the path of conveyor flights 14. A transversely extendinghorizontal applicator roller or wiper 21 is mounted on guide arm 17shortly forward of separator edge 18, with its underface in about theplane of the top face of guide arm 17.

The label carrying tape roll R is rotatably supported on a transversespindle 22 above labelling section 11 and the label carrying tape T isled therefrom through printing station 12 and to labelling station 11 byan upper pair of front and rear guide rollers 23 and 24 respectively,and a lower guide roller 26 disposed in vertical alignment with theupper rear roller 24 and shortly rearwardly and tangent to the top faceof guide arm 17. Positioned below the trailing end of guide arm 17 is apair of horizontal rollers 29 and 30, spring-urged toward each other, atleast one of the rollers preferably being rubber covered. Roller 30 isconnected to and positively controllably intermittently driven by asuitably energized drive motor M by way of an electrically controlledclutch and brake assembly C. Roller 30 is connected to the output shaftof the clutch assembly C, the input shaft of which is coupled, through aspeed reduction unit 32, to the drive shaft of motor A so connected toand q ntinuously driven by motor M through speed reduction unit 32 is apulley 33 which is coupled by a slipping belt 34 to a pulley 36 providedwith a spindle 37 carrying a tape takeup roll 38 which is slip driven towind up the label depleted tape T intermittently fed thereto by rollers29 and 30. The clutch and brake assembly C is electrically connected tothe output of control network 13.

Printing assembly 12 includes a suitably supported vertical mountingplate 39 located Within the path traversed by the tape T around guiderollers 23, 24 and 26 and a stationary platen 40 supported rearwardly ofthe line extending tangentially between vertically spaced rollers 24 and26, and having a forwardly directed front face substantially lying alongsaid tangential line. A vertical toggle lever 41 is mounted by means ofa pivot pin 42. to the upper rear section of plate 39 for rocking abouta transverse axis intermediate the ends of the lever 41. Directedrearwardly and integrally formed with lever 41 is a short leg 43 fromwhich terminates a depending arm 44. A suitably inked printing platen 46is mounted on the lower rear face of arm 44 and is in confrontingengagement with stationary platen 40, sandwiching the label carryingtape T therebetween when lever 41 is swung to its clockwise printposition as illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawing.

A helical tension spring 47 is connected between a stationary pin 48located on plate 39 rearwardly and at about the level of pivot pin 42and a pin 49 mounted on and intermediate the ends of lever 41 andforward of pivot pin 42. Thus, lever 41 and platen carrying arm 44 arealternatively urged to an advanced print position or a retractedposition by spring 47 as lever 41 is rocked to either side of itsequilibrium position. In order to advance and retract printing platen46, there is provided a pair of longitudinally extending upper and lowersolenoids 50 and 51 respectively which are electrically connected to theoutput of control network 13 and alternatively energized thereby. Theupper or print solenoid 50 includes a longitudinally movable armaturewhich is coupled by a rod 52 to the upper end of lever 41 and the loweror retract solenoid 51 likewise includes a longitudinally movablearmature which is coupled by a rod 53 to the lower end of lever 41.

Mounted on and adjacent the leading end of guide arm 17 is alongitudinally extending, label sensing arm 54 terminating at itstrailing end in an ear 56 which is pivotally coupled to guide arm 17 topermit the swinging of sensing arm 54 about a transverse axis. Theleading end of sensing arm 54 is provided with a depending feelerelement 57 which is resiliently urged into engagement with the uppersurface of the label carrying tape T just rearwardly of the separatoredge 18. A first, normally closed, microswitch S1 is also mounted onguide arm 17 and includes an actuating plunger 58 bearing on the upperface of sensing arm 54 resiliently to urge it to its depressed position.Switch S1 is so adjusted that when feeler 57 engages a label L, sensingarm 54 and plunger 58 are raised to open switch S1, and when the feeler57 registers with a space intervening successive labels L, arm 54 andplunger 58 are allowed todrop and thereby close switch S1. As notedabove, feeler 57 is disposed a short distance behind the separator edge18.

A second, double throw, microswitch S2 is located adjustably along thepath of advancing articles A forwardly of applicator arm 17, andincludes a swingable sensing arm 59 hinged at its trailing end about atransverse axis and downwardly forwardly inclined to a downwardly convexleading end 60'. Switch S2 is provided with a plunger 61 which bears onthe upper face of sensing arm 59, whereby switch S2 is actuated to oneor the other of its alternate positions in the presence or absence of aregistering object A respectively. Switches S1 and S2 are connected tothe input control terminals of network 1 Whi perates to advance tape Tupon the actuation 5 of sensing arm 59 and thereafter to stop the tapeadvance upon the feeler registering with a space following a label L inthe manner which will be hereinafter set forth.

Referring to FIGURE 3 of the drawings, which illustrates a novel controlnetwork 13 which may be employed to great advantage, for example, withthe apparatus above described, there is included a step-down powertransformer T whose primary winding is connected through suitable fusesto a line source of alternating current. The secondary winding oftransformer T is connected through a dropping resistor R1 to oppositeinput corners of a solid state bridge rectifier D1. The opposite outputcorners of rectifier D1 are connected to positive and negative lines aand b respectively, across which is connected a filter capacitor C1. Asecond solid state bridge rectifier D2 has its opposite input cornersconnected through a variable current limiting resistor R2 to thealternating current source, and its opposite positive and negativeoutput corners connected to lines and d respectively, a filter capacitorC2 being connected between lines 0 and d.

A transistor T1 has its base connected to negative line b through theseries connected switch S1, resistor R3 and rheostat R4. The emitter oftransistor T1 is connected through a resistor R to the transistor baseand through a resistor R6 to positive line a. The collector of thetransistor T1 is connected directly to the control electrode of asilicon controlled rectifier SCR, the collector of which is connecteddirectly to negative line b. The emitter electrode f, the signalcontrolled rectifier SCR, is connected in series with a relay solenoidRS and a normally closed relay switch S3 to positive line a. Relayswitch S3 is actuated by a relay solenoid RS3 which is connected betweenthe positive line 0 and the normally open contact 052 of sensing switchS2. The normally closed contact CS2 of switch S2 is conected to negativeline d, and switch arm AS2 thereof is connected through a relay solenoidenergizing capacitor C3 to positive line c. Relay solenoid RS is shuntedby a diode D3 oriented oppositely to the signal controlled rectifierSCR.

The network for actuating the brake and clutch assembly C includes aclutch actuating solenoid CS0 and a brake actuating solenoid BSO, eachof which is shunted by a capacitor C4 and C5 respectively. A pair ofdouble throw relay switches S4 and S5 is actuated by relay solenoid RS,switch S4 including a switch arm AS4, a normally closed contact CS4 anda normally open contact 054, and the switch S5 including a switch armASS, a normally closed contact CS5 and a normally open contact 085. Theclutch solenoid CS0 has one terminal connected to the normally closedswitch contact CS4 and, through series-connected capacitor C6 andresistor R7, to positive line 0, and the brake solenoid BS has oneterminal connected to negative line d and its other terminal connectedto the normally open switch contact 084 and, through series-connectedcapacitor C7 and resistor R8, to positive line 0. Also connected to thepositive line 0 is switch arm AS4-.

Print solenoid 50 is shunted by a capacitor C8 and has one terminalconnected to one terminal of the alternating current source and itsother terminal connected to the switch normally open contact 085 and tothe other alternating current source terminal through theseries-connected capacitor C9 and resistor R9. Retract solenoid 51 isshunted by a capacitor C10 and has one terminal connected to said oneterminal of said alternating current source and its other terminalconnected to the normally closed switch contact CS5 and to said otheralternating current source terminal through the series connectedcapacitor C11 and resistor R10. Relay switch arm ASS is connected tosaid other terminal of the alternating current source.

The values and designations of the circuit components of the controlnetwork 13 are, for example, advantageously as follows:

Considering now the operation of the labelling and printing apparatusdescribed above, in a ready condition awaiting the approach of anarticle A advanced by a flight 14, switch S2 is in its normal closedposition, silicon controlled rectifier SCR is in a conducting state andsolenoid RS energized. The energized solenoid RS advances associatedswitch arms A54 and AS5 into engagement with the normally open contacts054 and 085 respectively, thereby to energize brake solenoid BS andprint solenoid 50. In the aforesaid condition, lever 41 and platen 46are in their advanced print positions as in FIG- URE 2, roller 30 isbraked and tape T is stationary, with the leading label thereon beingimmediately anterior to feeler 57, and capacitor C3 is fully charged bybeing connected through closed switch CS2 between lines c and d.

As object A is advanced, it engages the undersurface of applicatorroller 21, which bears downwardly on the top surface thereof by reasonof the pressure of guide arm 17, and is rotated by the advancing articleA. The article A then advances into engagement with sensing arm 59 toactuate the switch AS2 to the normally open contact 052 whereby toswitch capacitor C3 from the charging current to across solenoid RS3, toenergize solenoid RS3 for a short predetermined time interval, andopening switch S3 a corresponding interval. The opening of switch S3extinguishes the silicon controlled rectifier SCR, to return it to acontrolled state, and de-energizes solenoid RS to effect return ofswitch arms A84 and AS5 into engagement with normally closed contactsCS4 and CS5. The opening of contact 085 and the closing of contact CS5effects the de-energization of print solenoid 50 and the energization ofretract solenoid 51 to swing platen 46 to its retracted position andpermit the free advance of tape T. The opening of contact 054 and theclosing of contact CS4 effects the de-energization of brake solenoid RSand the energization of clutch solenoid CS thereby to effect thepositive rotation of roller 30.

Tape T is thus advanced from roll R about guide rollers 23, 24 and 26,along the upper face of the guide arm 17, about separator edge 18,thence rearwardly about the upper and lower surfaces of rollers 30 and39 respectively and through their bite, thence to take-up roll 38.

Labels L travel on the upper face of tape T as it traverses guide arm17, and the leading label L engages feeler 57 to raise sensing arm 54and open switch S1. It should be noted that capacitor C3 and solenoidRS3 and the voltage between lines 0 and d are of such values thatsolenoid RS3 is energized by capacitor C3 discharging therethrough for atime interval sufficient for the leading label L to advance to feeler57, but less than the time of travel of the trailing edge of the leadinglabel L to feeler 57. Upon de-energization of solenoid RS3 and theclosing of switch S3, the silicon controlled diode is returned to anon-conducting condition controlled by way of a signal to transistor T1which is effected by the closing of switch S1.

The leading label L advances forwardly of the separator edge 18, beingseparated from the support tape T thereat as it sharply reverses itsdirection about separator edge 18, and is fed to the underface of roller21. Roller 21 presses the leading portion of label L into firm adhesionwith the surface of the advancing object A, which thereupon pulls thetrailing end of the label L from the tape T. When the trailing end ofthe leading label L passes feeler 57, sensing arm 54 is depressed toeffect the closing of switch S1 which applies a signal to the input oftransistor T1 which, in turn, applies a firing signal to the controlelectrode of silicon controlled rectifier SCR and renders it highlyconducting. Solenoid RS is thus energized to actuate switch arms AS4 andAS5 into engagement with normally open contacts OS4 and CS5. The openingof contact CS4 and the closing of contact S4 deenergizes and energizesclutch solenoid CS0 and brake solenoid BS respectively, to stop tapeadvance at a position in which a label registers with stationary platen40, and the opening of contact CS and the closing of contact 0S5deenergizes and energizes retract solenoid 51 and print solenoid 50respectively, thereby to advance platen 46 and effect the printing of aregistering label L. The apparatus is now in condition for a repetitionof the above cycle.

The control network 13 is very stable and highly sensitive. It may beemployed in many applications with a very wide range of input signals,and is characterized by its complete reliability and the absence of anyspurious counts or actuations. It should be noted that energizationinterval of solenoid RS3 may be adjustable by providing a variablecapacitor network for capacitor C3.

In FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings there is illustrated a labelapplicator mechanism 65 which may be employed to great advantage withthe printer, tape advance system, and control network described above.Applicator 65 is disposed above an endless belt conveyor 66 providedwith concurrently advancing transverse flights 67 for transportingsuccessive articles A through the labelling station. Applicator 65includes a downwardly forwardly inclined guide arm 68 affixed at itsupper trailing end by rneans of screws 69 to the upper flat face of asuitably journalled transverse shaft 70, and is rockable with said shaft70. Guide arm 68 terminates at its lower leading end in a sharptransverse separator edge 71. Projecting upwardly from the trailing endof guide arm 68 and radially relative to shaft 70 is an arm 72, theupper end of which is connected by helical tension spring 73 to aforwardly disposed stationary lug 74 to urge the leading end of guidearm 68 downwardly resiliently. An adjustable abutment 76 is disposed inthe path of arm 72 to limit the lowermost position of guide arm 68.

A bracket is mounted on guide arm 68, which bracket includes a pair oftransversely spaced parallel arms 77 and 78 directed upwardly andforwardly of the side edgs of guide arm 68 intermediate its ends, andjoined at their bottom by a cross plate 79 afiixed by screws to theunderface of the guide arm 68. Iournalled between the upper ends ofbracket arms 77 and 78 is a transverse axle pin 80 provided withenlarged heads 85 abutting the outer faces of bracket arms 77 and 78, torestrict the axial movement of pin 80.

A label sensing and applicator assembly 81 is supported by and dependsfrom pin 80, and includes a pair of vertical parallel side plates 82 and83 having upper sections 84 abutting the upper inner faces of bracketarms 77 and 78 respectively and Provided with aligned apertures engagingthe pin 80. A cross bar 86 joins the trailing ends of bracket uppersections 84 and is limited in upward movement by an adjusting screw 87confronting the upper face of cross bar 86 and engaging a tapped boreformed in an ear 88 projecting inwardly from the upper edge of bracketarm 77. The clockwise movement of assembly 81 about the pin isadjustably limited by the screw 87. Assembly 81 is releasably locked inits depressed operative position, as limited by the screw 87, by anysuitable locking mechanism which may include a latch element 89 mountedon the inner end of a shaft 90 journalled to bracket plate 77 andprovided at its outer end with a finger piece 91. Latch 89 ismanipulated by means of finger piece 91 alternately to shift latchelement 89 into and out of locking engagement with the advanced assembly81.

Each of plates 82 and 83 includes an integrally formed intermediatesection 92 and a lower section 94 projecting forwardly of separator edge71. A transverse shaft 96 is journalled between the leading ends of thelower plate sections 94 and rotatably supports an axially rigged orcorrugated pressure roller 97 having a lower periphery slightly belowthe top face of guide arm 68 and shortly forward of separator edge 71.Extending between the bottom trailing edges of plates 82 and 83 is aguide plate 98 having an upwardly curved trailing end 99, and parallelto and spaced above and delineating with the confronting top face ofguide arm 68 a low passageway for confining and guiding the labelcarrying tape T.

Mounted on the inner face of intermediate section 92 of plate 82 andsuitably supported intermediate plates 82 and 83 is a microswitch 100having a downwardly urged actuating plunger 101 depending from thebottom trailing end thereof, switch 100 being closed with the raising ofplunger 101 and being urged to a normally open position with thelowering of plunger 101. A transverse axle 102 is supported between theopposite plate sections 94 rearwardly of the leading edge and shortlyabove the bottom edge thereof. A longitudinally extending sensing lever103 is rockably supported by and intermediate the ends of axle 102,being restricted against transverse movement by opposite spacer sleeves104 registering with the axle 102. Lever 103 includes a relatively shortforwardly projecting arm 106 and a relatively long upwardly rearwardlyin clined rear arm 107 terminating in an upwardly directed leg 108engaging the bottom face of switch plunger 101. Depending from theleading end of arm 106 to a point shortly rearwardly of the separatoredge 71 is a pointed sensing projection 109 having a rear edge upwardlyrearwardly inclined relative to the guide arm 68. A tension spring 110is connected between the arm 107 and a stationary pin 111 located abovearm 107 resiliently to urge lever 103 clockwise, as viewed in FIGURE 4,and to urge plunger 101 to a raised, switch-closed position whenprojection 109 registers with a space on tape T which is not covered bya label L. However, with the advance of a successive tape-carried labelL, the leading edge thereof bears on the inclined rear edge ofprojection 109 and cams it upwardly, thereby to swing lever 103counterclockwise permitting lowering of plunger 101 and closing ofswitch 100. It should be noted, by reason of the shortness of arm 106and the length of the arm 107, that a small movement of feelerprojection 109 results in a relatively large movement of leg 108 toafford a high sensitivity.

Switch 100 corresponds to switch S1, previously described, and there areassociated with the label applicator 65 components, assemblies andnetworks corresponding to article sensing switch S2, the tape advancingmechanism including the motor M and the clutch brake assembly C, theprinting section 12, and the central network 13. The operation ofapplicator 65 and the associated equipment is similar to that earlierdescribed. In lacing applicator arm 68 with label-carrying tape T, latchelement 89 is turned to its unlocked position, and the assembly 81 isswung upwardly. The tape T is then easily led along the top of guide arm68, about separator edge 71, and thence rearwardly below the bottom ofguide arm 68, and the assembly 81 is thereafter returned to itsoperative position and locked therein by manipulating latch element 89.

Referring now to FIGURES 7 to 9 of the drawing, which illustrate anotherform of label-sensing system embodying the present invention, employedwith an aperture indexed label carrying tape, the subject tape isdesignated as T1 and carries along its top face pressure sensitiveadhesive labels L1 in longitudinally spaced end-to-end arrangement.Formed along a longitudinal side border of tape T1 in transversealignment with the spaces between successive labels L1, are indexingapertures 113 of rectangular outline. There is provided a flatdownwardly forwardly inclined tape guide arm 114 supported in the mannerof guide arm 68 as last described.

Formed in the top leading face of guide arm 114 is a transverselyextending recess 116 in which nests a flat plate 117 of insulatingmaterial, secured to arm 114 by countersunk screws 118 and having a topface coplanar with the top face of the guide arm 114. Formed integrallywith insulator plate 117 along the leading edge thereof is atransversely extending separator edge-defining prismatic section 119which terminates in a sharp leading edge and includes a top facecoplanar with the top face of plate 117, a bottom face downwardlyrearwardly inclined from the top leading edge of the top face of section119 to the bottom face of the guide arm 114, and a rear face abuttingthe front face of guide arm 114. A shallow groove 119a is formed in thetop face of insulator section 119 along a side border thereofimmediately rearwardly of its leading edge, and a metal contact plate120 is inset therein and suitably affixed thereto, contact plate 120projecting beyond the side edge of insulator section 119 and beingcoplanar with the top face thereof.

Projecting upwardly from the side edges of guide arm 114, shortlyrearwardly of the separator edge section 119 and afiixed to the guidearm 114, is a pair of opposite parallel vertical plates 121 havingforwardly downwardly inclined top edges 122. A pair of opposite parallelhorizontal latching grooves 123 are formed in plates 121 and extendinwardly from the forward edges thereof, the upper front edges ofgrooves 123 being joined to the plate upper edges 122 by short verticaledges 126.

A bracket assembly 127 is swingably supported by and between plates 121and includes a pair of transversely spaced vertical parallel bracketplates 128 which are rigidly connected by a tubular cross piece 125which rotatably engages a transverse shaft 129 suitably journalled tothe upper trailing corners of plates 121. Bracket plates 128 arepositioned transversely inwardly of the plates 121 by means of spacercollars 130 carried by shaft 129 between confronting plates 121 and 128.The lower leading corners of the bracket plates 128 project forwardly ofthe separator edge 119 and have journalled thereto a transverse shaft13012 which supports a peripherally grooved pressure roller 131, thebottom edge of which is disposed shortly forward of and slightly belowthe leading edge of separator edge section 119.

Extending between and journalled to bracket plates 128 between the topand bottom edges thereof is a cylindrical latching bar 132 terminatingin half round latching sections 133 projecting beyond the outerfaces ofbracket plates 128. The half round latching sections 133 have similarlydirected, coplanar, diametrically extending fiat faces 134. When thebracket assembly is in its locked operative position, as illustrated inthe drawings, latching sections 133 register with the latching grooves123, with the trailing halves of the latching section flat faces 134engaging the top edges of the grooves 123. In order to unlock thebracket .assembly .127 and permit its upward swinging, latch rod 132 ismerely rotated 90 counterclockwise, as viewed in FIGURE 7 of thedrawing, to effect disengagement of the latch sections 133 and latchinggrooves 123.

A block 136 of insulating material and of substantially parallelepipedshape is supported by and between bracket plates 128, being suitablysecured thereto by screws 137.

Insulator block 136 has a top face coplanar with the top edges ofbracket plates 128 and extends downwardly and forwardly to a flat bottomface disposed shortly above and parallel to the top face of separatoredge section 119. A bore 138 is formed in block 136 adjacent to a sidethereof and extends through the block 136 from the top to the bottomface thereof, parallel to and intermediate the front and rear walls ofthe block 136, and directed toward contact plate along the path of thelabel indexing apertures 113.

Registering and coaxial with the bore 138 is a sensing or wiperelectrode 139 including an upper metal sleeve 140 engaging andsupporting a group of elongated fine resilient metal wires defining aflexible resilient brush 141. Electrode 139 is positioned in bore 138 ata level in which the brush 141 is in forwardly, slightly sprung, lowresistance engagement with contact plate 120. Conductor leads 142 and143 connect the electrode 139 and the contact plate 120 to the controlsignal input terminals of the control network 13 in place of switch S1as earlier described.

Associated with the sensing assembly last described are the tape advancemechanism, printing section, article transport and sensing section andcontrol network, operating and related in the manner earlier set forth.As tape T1 advances it passes between blush 141 .and contact plate 120to open the circuit therebetween corresponding to the opening of switchS1. However, when an index aperture 113 is advanced into registry withbrush 141, the brush engages contact plate 120 to close the circuitbetween the contact plate 120 and electrode 139, corresponding to theclosing of the switch S1. In all other respects, the operation of theapparatus last described is similar to that first described.

While there have been illustrated and described preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations,omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spiritthereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A label applying apparatus comprising a label applicator member,means for advancing a label receiving article into registry with saidapplicator member, means for advancing a label to a predeterminedposition relative to said applicator member, means including .a solenoidfor controlling said label advancing means, a silicon controlledrectifier including a control electrode and output electrodes, a switchconnected in series with said solenoid and said silicon-controlledrectifier output electrodes and a source of current, means responsive tothe position of said label for applying a control signal to said controlelectrode, and means responsive to the position of said label receivingarticle for actuating said switch.

2. A label applying apparatus comprising a label applicator member,means for advancing a label receiving article into registry with saidapplicator member, means for advancing a label to a predeterminedposition relative to said applicator member, means including a solenoidfor controlling said label advancing means, a silicon controlledrectifier including a control electrode and output electrodes, a switchconnected in series with said solenoid and said silicon-controlledrectifier output electrodes and a source of current, a transistor havinga collector connected directly to said rectifier control electrode andan emitter and a base, means including a first resistor connecting saidemitter to a source of current, a second resistor connecting saidemitter to said base, means responsive to the position of said label forapplying a signal to said base, and means responsive to the position ofsaid article for actuating said switch.

3. A label applying apparatus comprising a label applicator member,means for advancing a label receiving article into registry with saidapplicator member, means for advancing a label to a predeterminedposition, relative to said applicator member, a silicon controlledrectifier including a control electrode and output electrodes, anormally closed switch, electrically actuated means for controlling saidlabel advancing means connected in series 1 1 with said switch and saidsilicon controlled rectifier output electrodes to a source of current,means responsive to the position of said article for momentarily openingsaid switch, and means responsive to the position of said label forapplying a signal to said control electrode.

4. A label applying apparatus comprising a label applicator member,means for advancing a label receiving article into registry with saidapplicator member, means for advancing a label to a predeterminedposition relative to said applicator member, a silicon controlledrectifier including a control electrode and output electrodes, anormally closed relay switch including an actuating solenoid, means forcontrolling said label advancing means connected in series with saidswitch and said silicon controlled rectifier output electrodes to asource of curren-t, a capacitor, means actuated by said article foralternately connecting said capacitor across a source of chargingcurrent and across said actuating solenoid, and means responsive to theposition of said label for applying a signal to said control electrode.

5. An apparatus for applying pressure sensitive labels from a labelcarrying tape comprising a longitudinally extending label applicator armterminating in a label separating edge, means including a tape take-uproll for intermittently advancing a label carrying tape forwardly alongthe upper face of said applicator arm and about said separating edge andthence rearwardly, a drive motor, means including an electricallyalternatively actuated brake and clutch connecting said take-up roll tosaid motor, a first sensing means responsive to a predetermined positionof a leading of said labels relative to said separating edge, means foradvancing a label receiving article along a path including a labellingstation registering with the leading end of said applicator arm, asecond sensing means responsive to an article positioned at saidlabelling station, a silicon controlled rectifier including outputelectrodes and a control electrode, means responsive to said firstsensing means for applying a signal to said control electrode, a firstrelay switch connected through said clutch to a source of clutchactuating current and including an actuating solenoid, and a secondswitch responsive to said second sensing means and connected in serieswith said actuating solenoid and said rectifier output electrodes to asource of current.

6. The label applying apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second switchis a relay switch including a second actuating solenoid, and comprisinga capacitor and means responsive to said second sensing means foralternately connecting said capacitor across a source of chargingcurrent and across said second solenoid.

7. The label applying apparatus of claim 5, wherein said signal applyingmeans comprises a transistor including a first and second outputelectrodes and a control electrode, said first output electrode beingconnected directly to said rectifier control electrode, a first resistorconnected between said second output electrode and a source of currentand a second resistor connected between said transistor controlelectrode and said transistor second output electrode.

8. The label applying apparatus of claim 5, wherein said first sensingmeans includes a switch mounted on said applicator arm and including aswingable actuating arm registering with the path of said labels alongthe upper face of said applicator arm.

9. The label applying apparatus of claim 8, wherein said actuating armincludes a trailing end connected to said switch and a leading endregistering with said path of said labels and is pivoted at a pointadjacent to said leading end, said arm terminating at its leading end ina downwardly directed leg having an upwardly rearwardly inclined rearface.

10. The label applying appar-atus of claim 5, wherein said labelcarrying tape has longitudinally aligned label indexing apertures formedtherein and said first sensing means comprises a brush electroderegistering with the path of said indexing apertures.

11. The label applying apparatus of claim 5, comprising a printingmember disposed along the path of said labels trailing said separatoredge, and movable between an advanced and a retracted position, andactuated to an advanced position concurrently with the deactuation ofsaid clutch.

12. A label applying device comprising a longitudinally extendingapplicator arm terminating in a lead-ing separator edge, a pressureapplying element supported by said arm forward of said leading separatoredge, an electric-ally conducting first electrode disposed on the topface of said arm, an electrode support member disposed above said firstelectrode and having formed therein a downwardly forwardly inclined boredirected toward said first electrode, a flexible second electroderegistering with said bore and engaging said first electrode, and meansfor advancing a label carrying band forwardly along the upper face ofsaid arm between said first and second electrodes around said leadingseparator edge and thence rearwardly.

13. A label applying device comprising a longitudinally extendingapplicator arm terminating in a leading separator edge, an electricallyconducting first electrode located on the top face of said arm, abracket projecting upwardly from said arm, a forwardly directed leghinged to said bracket, a transversely extending pressure rollersupported by said leg forward of said separator edge, an electrodesupport member supported by said leg and having formed therein adownwardly forwardly inclined bore directed toward said first electrode,a flexible second electrode registering with said bore and engaging saidfirst electrode, and means for advancing a label carrying band forwardlyalong the upper face of said arm between said first and secondelectrodes around said leading separator edge and thence rearwardly.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,522,224 7/1950 Hedinger 156-3842,920,780 1/1960 Hauschild et al. 156-361 3,108,032 10/1963 Carlson156-361 3,231,446 l/1966 Satas 156-384 3,238,080 3/1966 Schulter156-35'1 OTHER REFERENCES Rutz et al. A New Transistor WithThyratron-Like Characteristics, (1955 EARL M. BERGERT, Primary Examiner.

T. R. SAVOIE, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.

